Solar One Awarded $2 Million EDGE Contract

Solar One was awarded a $2 million contract by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to serve as its Downstate New York (New York City, Westchester and Long Island) representative for a new NYSERDA program called Economic Development Growth Extension (EDGE).

Acronyms aside, this is an extraordinary opportunity for Solar One to do the work it does best – promote energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental stewardship through education and outreach.

“Our main job as the downstate EDGE rep will be to help connect companies and small businesses in the downstate area with NYSERDA programs, grants and incentives that will help them become more sustainable, strengthen their operations, save energy and money, and unleash economic development,” said Chris Collins, Executive Director of Solar One.

“We have some ambitious goals for solar power in New York, and it’s exciting to be on the front lines with NYSERDA. Not only are we helping all kinds of businesses go solar, but we’re innovating with community solar projects that make renewable energy accessible to more people,” said Max Joel, a member of the Solar One team who will work on the EDGE program.

EDGE will also help entrepreneurs who are creating innovative products or services that are both good for the economy and the environment.

“Cleantech start-ups in NYC, such as ThinkEco (www.thinkecoinc.com/) and Honest Buildings (www.honestbuildings.com/), are forming and rapidly expanding due in large part to support from NYSERDA. With the NYSERDA EDGE contract, we build on that success, and make sure all new cleantech and cleanweb companies are tapping into NYSERDA’s resources,” said Sara Jayanthi, EDGE ROC.

“We’ve teamed with subcontractors who have strengths in other sectors, like the Pratt Center for Community Development, which has expertise in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Courtney Strong Inc., which has deep roots in Westchester, and the Community Development Corporation of Long Island, which has worked to spur economic development in Long Island communities for decades,” said Collins.

If you want to plug into the EDGE program, and learn more about how it might help your business, start-up or building, visit www.nyserda.ny.gov/edge or call 212-505-6050 or send an e-mail to info[at]solar1[dot]org.